In a landmark partnership between academe and government, Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) Senator Neptali Gonzales Research Center for Development Studies (SNGRCDS)  and Commission on Population and Development – National Capital Region (CPD-NCR)  signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address community needs through data-driven, policy-relevant, and sustainable research solutions.

Supporting this vision, Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, the University President, highlighted the importance of research in nation-building. She encouraged university researchers to strengthen the bridge between academic study and community service, noting that true knowledge should lead to collective progress.

Assoc. Prof. John Eric O. Estrellado, the Director of Research, Development, and Innovation Office (RDIO), believed that excellence in research is magnified when it contributes to collective progress, aiming to translate research outputs into policies that reinforce institutional alignment. 

After setting the tone for the event, the officials proceeded with the MOU signing, formalizing the partnership between the academe and governance.

Instr. Joel Mark P. Rodriguez, the unit head of SNGRCDS, presented their flagship collaboration project with the CPD, the PROJECT POP-INSIGHT (Population Intelligence for National Sustainability, Inclusive Governance, and Human Transformation). The project, according to Instr. Rodriguez is focused on transforming raw demographic data into intelligent governance systems. He also presented the proposed research under the said project, designed as decision-support systems for Mandaluyong City and NCR policymakers. 

Ms. Jackilyn D. Robel, the Regional Director of CPD-NCR, expressed that the collaboration between RTU and CPD-NCR should no longer be limited to seminars. As there is little recent research data on the population in Metro Manila, the partnership is pivotal to strengthening policy development and community initiatives in the region.

The partnership between the RTU and CPD-NCR aligns with the Commission’s 8-point Research Agenda for the NCR, identifying critical underserved areas such as Gender and Development (GAD), Reproductive Health, and the impact of Climate Change on families.

As the first university in the region to officially partner with the CPD-NCR, RTU is now positioned at the forefront of regional development through the SNGRCDS. By merging academic expertise with government data, the two institutions are ensuring that the future of Metro Manila is guided by accuracy, innovation, and a shared commitment to the common good.